Mastering the art of caricature requires much more than just a passing ability to render a face; it requires a deep understanding of human psychology, proportion, and exaggeration. For decades, aspiring and professional artists alike have turned to Lenn Redman's definitive guide, How to Draw Caricatures . While the physical book was originally published in 1984, the methodologies taught within it remain foundational for artists. Whether you are studying an accessible How to Draw Caricatures by Lenn Redman - Book Review on YouTube, reading a digital edition from Internet Archive , or studying a Scribd document, Redman’s time-tested principles are proven to elevate your caricature work.
Redman simplifies the complex human face into five basic geometric shapes to make exaggeration easier: The Head Shape (Alpha Shape)
Many beginner caricaturists struggle when a subject turns away from a direct frontal view. Redman’s step-by-step profile worksheets teach you how to lock in the "line of the profile"—the continuous silhouette from the forehead down to the chin—which holds 80% of a person’s likeness. 5. The Psychology of the Likeness how to draw caricatures lenn redman pdf work
The book is widely available through numerous legal channels. You can find it in various formats to suit your learning style:
Redman provides examples from diverse backgrounds, ages, and genders to help you learn how to handle different skin tones, facial structures, and hair types. 4. Key Considerations for Learners Mastering the art of caricature requires much more
The book provides hundreds of step-by-step instructions showing the progression from the photo of a face to the final caricature. It emphasizes that caricature is not about making someone look "pretty" but rather making them recognizable, humorous, or ironic. 2. Fundamental Techniques from Lenn Redman
If you are using Redman's text to improve your drawing workflow, his system follows a precise, sequential order of operations: 1. Pinpointing the Mass (The "Alpha Shape") Whether you are studying an accessible How to
Because How to Draw Caricatures by Lenn Redman is a classic text, digital copies and PDFs can often be found through open-source archives, library lending networks (like Internet Archive), and specialized art forums.
If you find a PDF, you’ll still want a physical copy for the 20+ full-page demonstration sequences.
: Isolate features that differ from the norm (e.g., closer eyes, a longer chin, or a wider jaw).
Why not pick up a pencil, find the book (legally, of course), and give it a try? The world is full of amazing faces waiting for their humorous, affectionate portrait to be drawn. Happy sketching!